Actually, they've called in sick at the behest of the police brotherhood, in an attempt to turn up the heat in negotiations over possible changes to their pension plan.

Police who were working the overnight shift were asked to cover for the "sick" officers, and a spokesman told QMI Agency the mass call-in produced a "minimal" amount of inconvenience. Police assured QMI that essential services were not affected.

Since July 4, Montreal Police have put several pressure tactics in place to show their discontent at the proposed changes to their pension plan. They've been wearing jeans and brightly coloured pants instead of their police pants, and have traded in their police hats for red ballcaps. They've also covered police vehicles with stickers to show support for their union.

On Friday, they held a large demonstration in front of Montreal's City Hall.